The budget passed by the House Finance committee made three significant tax policy changes that will impact the income of tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders. The estate tax, earned income tax credit, and property tax relief program were all dramatically altered in the budget. Read the Institute’s full analysis and June 6th and June 16th press releases. The clear winners are …

Everyone in Rhode Island wants the same thing: a stronger economy with good jobs that help families to build a future. But tax cuts that some propose won’t create this path to prosperity. Tax cuts have but a negligible effect on creating jobs and generating economic activity.  What really works is investing in schools, transportation, and safe communities; helping entrepreneurs …

 Kate Brewster, Executive Director       I am honored to have participated on the Commission.  I appreciate that all of the members are deeply concerned about the state’s economy and eager to enact policies that will help grow jobs in our state. Costly, broad-based tax cuts of any form, however, are not the solution to building Rhode Island’s economy. Given all …

To ensure Rhode Island uses its available resources in the most effective way possible, it’s time to subject tax breaks, that cost the State over $1.7 billion a year, to the same scrutiny given to money spent through the state budget. Like other states, Rhode Island increasingly writes into law provisions that allow people or businesses to reduce their taxes …

The Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) is widely recognized as an effective, short-term tool for lifting low-income working families out of poverty by encouraging work and supplementing low wages.  Rhode Island should enhance the effectiveness of its state EITC by increasing the refund available to low-wage workers.  This would put money in the pockets of low-income working households that could …